Phu Quoc’s Fusion Offers a Personalised Paradise

Do you prefer to get your first spa treatment before or after breakfast? Well, how about both? Sometimes life’s decisions can be tough, but not here, where the spa is all-inclusive...

Situated just one hour by air from HCMC, with golden sands, turquoise waters and fiery red sunsets, the island of Phu Quoc is one of the greatest Friday-night getaways for those of us living in Saigon.

As the international hotel and resort chains continue to spread upward and outward across Phu Quoc, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, the fifth member of Fusion’s growing family of wellness-inspired properties, with its 97 low-lying “all-pool” villas and soothing back-to-nature vibes, offers something truly unique. From the “Breakfast Anywhere, Anytime” service, to small details like the trend-bucking booking confirmation it sends out, everything at a Fusion property is about parting with tradition.

“We’re not like other five-star resorts,” says Huong, our Fusionista (a super-friendly butler and a super-creative concierge rolled into one) as we take the complimentary 40-minute shuttle from the island’s international airport. “We’re more down-to-earth, more genuine, and much more relaxed.”

She’s absolutely right. I didn’t see any of the other hotels greeting their guests in the arrivals area with hugs and smiles and instant first-name terms.

“So,” says Huong, “what time would you like to visit the spa today?”

Eat, Beach, Spa, Repeat…

The “all-spa inclusive” concept is the highlight of every Fusion Resort and is something you won’t find anywhere else, with a menu of massages, facials and all-natural body wraps and scrubs.

Beyond the spa, the resort is also home to a stunning beach, a large communal pool, three distinct dining destinations, a fully equipped fitness centre, plus daily yoga, tai chi and meditation sessions. Each of the accommodation options—ranging from the one-bedroom garden villas to the five-bedroom Grand Beach Villa—also comes with its own outdoor pool.

If you can pry yourself away from the resort, your Fusionista can tailor-make excursions, tours and “locals-only” experiences, while guided hikes and bike rides into the countryside, plus complimentary on-site games and activities, mean you can stay as active or as restful as you wish.

Before we’ve kicked off our shoes, I know already that our one-bed beach-front abode is going to be hard to leave. Spacious, completely open-plan, with a deep sunken bathtub, open shower, and a shaded outdoor veranda overlooking our own private pool and our own private ocean, I wish we’d booked a longer stay.

The Fusion Lifestyle

After the mind-melting Natural Living Pepper massage, followed by reviving glasses of fresh fruit juice, it’s time for sunset drinks at Soul Kitchen, the resort’s laid-back pool bar and diner. Later, with the stars twinkling over the Gulf of Thailand, we indulge in a fresh seafood feast in the beach-front restaurant Pezcá.

In addition to the varied breakfast menu—available at any time of the day for delivery to your villa, to the beach, or to a table in the restaurant—Secret Garden is where you’ll find the immense morning buffet. With indoor and outdoor seating, the space is later used for lunch and dinner, serving Cantonese dim sum, Vietnamese delicacies and a variety of international favourites.

“In all of our restaurants,” says Huong, who has swung by the restaurant to ask how we’re doing, “our menus are carefully crafted. You’ll find plenty of treats, but also plenty of healthier choices. And our chefs are able to cater for any special dietary requirements, from plant-based to gluten-free.”

And that’s what really makes Fusion special. That personal touch.

Huong explains that she sees her guests more like friends than customers. “I love that I get the chance to make people’s vacations extra special,” she says.

The Deal of The Summer

Ready to celebrate summer in luxury and style? Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is offering a stellar ‘Summer Getaway’ package. Until October 2019, guests can take advantage of all that Fusion Resort has to offer on Phu Quoc Island in one all inclusive package. The package includes accommodation in a Garden Pool Villa, one set lunch per stay for 2 at Pezcá, and one spa treatment per night per adult. All of the Fusion Resort Phu Quoc signature services and amenities are also included, like breakfast anywhere, anytime, access to your personal Fusionista, and free choice of the resort’s extensive recreational amenities.

Priced at only VND5,500,000/night, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the best summer holiday destination ever!

When you want to rest and recharge in the lap of luxury, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is available to take care of your every need.

Spacious Minimalism Meets Ultimate Luxury

As you arrive within the gates of Fusion Resort Phu Quoc on the northwestern coast of the island, get ready to throw all of your cares away. The pinnacle of relaxation, wellness, and top-notch service, allow the calming vibes of the island to envelope you while being greeted by the warm and attentive staff.

The resort’s contemporary and spacious villas feature minimalist furnishings and open-plan living spaces, creatively designed to give you that home away from home feeling. Each private villa is designed to seamlessly marry their indoor and outdoor living spaces, maximizing guest comfort. With your own private pool and the dazzling beach at your doorstep, relaxation and reprieve from the afternoon sun is only steps away.

Delectable Cuisine, Catered to You

Dining options abound at Fusion Resort Phu Quoc. Pezcá offer meals that are nutritionally balanced with an emphasis on healthy cooking styles and quality produce, served with an unobstructed ocean view. Enjoy breakfast or dinner at Secret Garden, located in the heart of the resort. Relax poolside day or night with a cocktail from Soul Kitchen, or sink your toes in the sand with a fresh juice or an ice cold beer at Beach Bar. Custom dining options are also available, such as in-villa dining, romantic beach dinners for two, and Fusion Resort’s exclusive ‘breakfast anywhere, anytime’ concept.

Warmer than a butler and more creative than a concierge, Fusionistas are your personal guest relationship specialist, there to unlock the very best this wellness destination has to offer. The living embodiment of the Fusion ‘experience’, Fusionistas speak several languages, including English, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Italian and more, and are leading a hospitality revolution, taking your vacation to the next level in ways that only a ‘personal touch just for you’ can manage.

Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc is a top class 5-star resort that is perfect for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism and business travel in Vietnam. Phu Quoc island, also known as Vietnam’s “Pearl Island,” continues to grow into one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for travellers of all walks of life and is a fantastic choice for companies and organisations looking for a luxurious location for their business travel needs.

Located on the marvellous western coast of Phu Quoc along a private section of Long Beach, the resort is 8 km from Phu Quoc International Airport and is an advantageous destination for both local and international business travellers. Direct flights from Hanoi, Saigon, Seoul, Copenhagen, Oslo, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow, and Guangzhou - to name a few - make it a highly convenient option for your company’s luxury getaway to Vietnam’s most prestigious travel hotspot.

As part of The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® with over 4,200 hotels, the award-winning Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, overlooking the deep turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, recently received a nod from Dotproperty.com for “Best Landscape Design”, making the resort a wonderful place for business people engaging in MICE tourism in Phu Quoc and Vietnam.

Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc: The Perfect Destination for Business and Incentive Travel in Vietnam

As a seasoned company in the tourism industry, Best Western Premier has decades of experience providing accommodations for incentive travel and this is very well demonstrated at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc. This tropical location is an upscale resort featuring a warm climate, gorgeous landscapes, and a full array of services that caters brilliantly to business travellers and their families in Phu Quoc.

Research shows how well-rewarded employees normally work harder and remain loyal to their company for a longer period of time when offered incentive travel opportunities. In fact, the return on investment for businesses investing in incentive travel for employees can yield results as high as 84 percent, according to a study titled “Assessing the Impact of Sales Incentive Programs.”

In order to provide a fantastic, well-rounded experience for business travellers, the CEO Group, through their Sonasea (“Sonata of the Sea”) property, have created a masterfully designed beach resort in a gorgeous location that provides a convenient and comfortable space with top-class amenities, while opening the door to the wonderful island of Phu Quoc.

Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc accomplishes its mission to be a sought-after MICE Tourism destination, in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia, by providing superior accommodation, lavish food and beverage venues, banquet-ready conference and meeting areas, plus the quality front desk, guest, and concierge services that you would expect from a top hotel. A Recreation Team is also on-hand for a variety of team-building activities within the resort and beyond.

Outstanding Conference, Banquet and Team-Building Facilities for Business Travellers at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc

For large company meetings, training workshops, exhibitions, and dining events, the Duong Dong Conference Center measures 360m² and can host people in a variety of formats: from banquet-style (240 people) and theatre-style (350 people), to classroom (160 people) or boardroom-style (110 people). Featuring high-speed WiFi, comfortable furnishings, and a dedicated hotel coordinator to assist with your event requirements, Best Western Sonasea Phu Quoc will ensure your business travel experience in Vietnam is highly rewarding.

The main conference room can be divided into two separate areas, named An Thoi and Ham Ninh, that measure 245m² and 115m² respectively. Each area can also be accommodated to host a variety of conference and meeting styles to suit your company’s varied needs. Flexibility and a desire to fulfill all your business requirements are key at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc.

The business meeting banquet options at the resort are not only convenient and varied, but also delicious. Whether your company wants a comfortable coffee break or a week-long retreat from the office, this pristine resort has you covered. Meals can easily be arranged within the conference area if your business wishes to remain separate from other guests in the hotel.

Coffee break menus all include a selection of Dilmah tea, coffee, mineral water, and a fresh fruit platter, starting at VND95,000 per person, depending on the length of stay. Coffee break menus can also feature a generous assortment of sandwiches, savories, pastries, and juices.

The Banquet and Events team has assembled Half-Day and Full-Day Meeting Packages that also include these coffee breaks to give business travellers well-earned rests between work sessions. Meeting areas are kitted out with pencils and markers, A4 paper pads and flip charts, high quality projectors, and a fully equipped sound system suitable for anything from meeting announcements and presentations, to karaoke parties to blow off steam at the end of a working day!

The Full-day Package includes two coffee breaks and a lunch buffet (or set menu) at Essence Restaurant, which can seat up to 350 guests at any given time. Lunch and/or dinner services are available with four Western and six Vietnamese menu options.

Mouth-watering culinary offerings, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced produce, are available at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc’s different venues including a Beach BBQ & Buffet which can accommodate up to 400 people. Oasis Pool Bar, with its relaxing swim-up bar and the beach nearly within touching distance, can host up to 150 people outdoors and up to 40 people indoors. With a similar capacity plus glorious ocean and island views from up high, the astounding CView Sky Bar is a stunning venue to gather your business groups, while the Ballroom can host up to 200 people with an indoor buffet.

If you choose Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc for a team building opportunity, then activities on the resort’s beautiful stretch of beach will be a highlight of your company’s group experience with plenty of fun in the sun to be had. Games and activities include “Tug of War,” where groups are divided into two teams who take a side of a rope and try to pull it over the line to beat the other team. A game called “Longest” in which each group is divided into three separate subteams by height including tall, middle, and short. Then, members of each subteam lay down on the sand and the longest team wins. Other bonding activities include “Treasure Hunt,” the “Human Knot,” and “Powder Transfer”, as well as plenty of chances for splashing in the ocean and other fun ways for your company’s employees to enjoy their time together.

Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc Offers High Quality Accommodation for MICE Tourism in Phu Quoc

The Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc beach resort boasts 550 guest rooms and suites as well as 16 beachside villas, ranging from 35m² Deluxe Rooms to the highly coveted 280m² Presidential Villa. Guests staying in suites and villas will have access to a variety of business-friendly conveniences and amenities. For example, the hotel is one of a very small number of resorts that have dry cleaning services on the island. Although the resort’s scale is grand, with a capacity to host over 1,500 adult guests at any given time, each guestroom shows admirable attention to detail for all business and incentive travellers coming to Phu Quoc.

Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc seeks to raise the bar for business travel in Vietnam by providing luxury level hospitality for all guest rooms, not just some. The enjoyable comforts that can be found in all rooms include privately furnished balconies with garden, mountainside or sea views, kitchenette and minibar, Queen or King size beds with plush bedding (washed in-house), overhead adjustable rain showers; and classy furnishings that include a sofa bed and dining table. In addition, guests can expect:

- Yukatas (Japanese-style robes) and slippers, perfectly suitable for the warm climate of the island

- Central comfort lighting system

- Dialing Code Index for international calls

- Laundry, Dry Cleaning, and Pressing same-day service is available with express options and can be done as quickly as two hours for an additional fee.

In addition to the above, the Executive Deluxe rooms come with a convenient writing desk while 100 Suites have impeccable bathtubs that offer a great opportunity to relax after a day’s business meetings or company team-building.

Well worth mentioning are the Deluxe Villas at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, which come with three bedrooms and have their own living areas, perfect for business travellers bringing their families to enjoy this top notch beachside resort. Luxury villas offer extra space for groups or families and come with additional features such as en-suite bathtubs, private terrace with swimming pools and a sea view or beach front, separate kitchens with island seating, and a living room and dining room that can comfortably accommodate up to ten people.

Venues

The Lagoon, which is the longest lagoon pool in Vietnam, is one of the headline features of the resort. This mesmerizing 300-metre body of water is lined by shady palm trees, sun loungers, and a moving current that flows all the way from the main building down to the beachside Oasis Pool Bar and beach area.

Opportunities to relax, have a snack, or have a complete hearty meal are available in their various F&B venues - the CView Sky Bar, Essence Restaurant, and Oasis Pool Bar. The seaweed-themed Thala Spa offers a variety of services, including Jacuzzi VIP rooms as well as manicure and pedicure services for guests wanting to be pampered. Business travelers with children will have many comforts at this family-friendly resort, including a Nemo Kids Club with scheduled activities, babysitting services, playground, and The Lagoon - the longest pool in Vietnam, as well as two kids’ pools.

The fully equipped, state-of-the art Fitness Center is open from 6am until 10pm and includes private lessons, plus scheduled group classes including Tai Chi, yoga, and Mindful Breathing meditation for beginners as well as advanced practitioners. Each guest will also receive a schedule of recreational activities for adults that includes basic Vietnamese language classes, water sports, arts and crafts, and other outside group activities.

Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc’s Front Desk, Guest, and Concierge Services For Business Travellers in Vietnam

Keeping true to the Best Western Premier brand, exceptional service is the name of the game. Front Desk Guest, and Concierge services are both varied and expansive to cater for all the needs of a business traveller. These services include:

- Airline reservations, flight modifications and confirmations, as well as airport transfer services

- Complimentary bicycles for local individual escapes or group tours

- Concierge services are available from 8am-10pm

- Courier Service - International door-to-door delivery services are available

- Currency Exchange is available at the Front Desk and can exchange into Vietnamese Dong (to exchange from Vietnamese Dong into a different currency, transportation will be arranged to a local service)

- Information about local religious services will be provided, including access to two Catholic Churches, as well as information about Buddhist pagodas throughout the island.

Group Excursions to Phu Quoc National Park and Beyond

As one of the island’s top beach resorts, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc aims to provide complete comfort and convenience to MICE and business travellers coming to Vietnam. However, guests are encouraged to approach the island as their oyster and take advantage of the many offerings in Phu Quoc.

Front Desk and Concierge services are readily available to help your company organize the company trip of a lifetime, in partnership with CEO Travel. Whether individual travellers want to adventure around or companies want to organize group outings and team building excursions, Phu Quoc island is a great place to explore!

With an annual temperature of 27℃ (81℉), this 28 island archipelago, which measures 594km², offers many opportunities for individuals and groups alike. A growing nightlife scene as well as a variety of local and Western-style restaurants, a vibrant Night Market, a fishing village, boat tours, and a variety of natural life excursions, speak to the varied experiences that can be had in the paradise that is Phu Quoc island.

Whether you are curious about the translucent waters and fresh ocean breeze or desire a closer look at the spectacular marine life available through diving and snorkelling activities, the island does not fall short of things to do.

For example, Phu Quoc National Park, considered a national treasure as a UNESCO designated site and part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, covers almost 50 percent of the island and offers a wide range of ecotourism activities. These include trekking and hiking, as well as water sports like kayaking.

Divided into four park zones, this magnificent location offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while respectfully admiring wildlife that includes a fascinatingly wide range of animal species. Is it any wonder that Phu Quoc island is quickly becoming one of Asia’s leading destinations for business travellers who also want to enjoy a beautiful landscape and plenty of attractions?

Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc is proud to offer MICE Tourism and Business Travel comforts in a superb 5-star resort location that is sure to captivate the hearts of guests who will already be planning their next visit. With upscale hospitality comes the convenience of conference rooms and banquets, team-building fun activities, mesmerizing local group excursions, and a variety of stand-alone venues to keep guests and visitors satisfied throughout their stay. Choose Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc for all your business travel needs while in Vietnam’s Pearl Island and have a wonderful and fruitful time with your company or organisation.

The Phu Quoc development plan announced by the government in 2004 and adjusted in the summer of 2015, makes provision for a massive investment and a huge development of large parts of this idyllic island. In the revised plan, land dedicated to tourism will cover 40 sq km; land for mixed tourism and housing 33 sq km, whilst forestry gets 374 sq km. In addition there is a 66 sq km buffer zone with close on 40 sq km given over to agriculture. This is not a small development. At the end of 2014 there were just 1,500 rooms for rent on the island, by the end of 2017 that will have risen to 10,000, with many more planned over the next 15 years.

Phu Quoc lies off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a mere 10 km from the Bokor National Park on the outskirts of Kampot. It is the largest of Vietnam’s islands with a total area of 593 sq km and one that has been the cause of constant argument of ownership between Vietnam and Cambodia. The capital of the island Duong Dong is situated on the west coast of the island at about the north-south mid point. This town will change beyond recognition as part of the development plan.

The government has decided that Phu Quoc is to become the biggest island destination in the whole region and they are pulling out all the stops to make this happen. It seems inconceivable that this beautiful island could become the next Bali or Phuket, but that is what they want. The resort style developments are already starting to arrive and are totally taking over the west coast of the island. From the enormous Vinpearl hotel and resort in the north to the newly opened Novotel in the south, huge swathes of land and being carved up and built on.

Broadly speaking the island’s development is being handled by two groups. Vinpearl will take on the north of the island, whilst responsibility for the south falls to the Sun Group.

Already open in the north is phase one of the Vinpearl hotel and resort, Vinpearl Land amusement park, Vinpearl Safari Park, the Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc and the Vinmec Phu Quoc International Hospital. Impact on the local ecology has been huge. Local people are seeing big increases in the local economy and most seem content that this is good for the island. To the north of these opened attractions, the second phase of the Vinpearl development is underway, with one of the biggest building sites on the island just opening up. Based around a 17 hectare lake, it is simply massive. Whilst slightly south another huge development for Grand World has begun. It is rumoured that the country’s second giant casino, after the the Grand Casino at Ho Tram Strip, will be built here.

The southern development along Long Beach is slightly different. The hotels and resorts here are generally speaking smaller and more eco-friendly, though this certainly depends on your definition. On Phu Quoc anything is classed as an eco-resort as long as less than 50% of the land is built upon. This of course raises as many questions as it does answers. No provision is made for sustainable building materials in the definition.

The Mercure Phu Quoc Resort & Villas at the northern end of the southern development has at least tried to make their resort genuinely eco-friendly. The impact on the local ecology here has been positive. This small hotel is virtually invisible until you arrive at its door. The 67 bedrooms are by way of individual villas, dotted around beautiful gardens, rich with trees and greenery. They even grow their own vegetables in and around the villas, supplying the kitchen with pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes and other ingredients.

Moving south from the Mercure, you’ll find the Sunset Sanato resort and Luxury Villas (under construction); the Pullman hotel and resort (construction soon to start); the Novotel Phu Quoc (opened in February 2016) and the 17-storey InterContinental (under construction). The Sofitel is also coming here. The whole of Long Beach is being snapped up by developers who are facing a backlash from locals demanding access to what are, after all, public beaches. The government has said that some kind of access road 50 metres from the beach has to remain in place, but in some cases clearly no provision has been made for this. The famous pearl farm here is on borrowed time.

Moving across the island to the eastern beach area of Bai Khem, work is well underway on the large JW Marriott hotel and resort. This 5 star luxury resort will forever change this small but beautiful beach. The plans for the it do look beautiful and tastefully done. The Marriott is in the process of building a new road to the resort.

There is also a cable car ride being built connecting the island’s second largest town of An Hoi with the island of Hon Thom, also called Pineapple Island. The 8 km ride will be the longest aerial ropeway cable car in the world. As it passes over the islands of Hon Dua and Hon Roi, the towers will reach 160m in height. Construction started in 2015 and is expected to be completed in 2016 with the ride being fully operational by 2017. It will be capable of carrying 3,500 people per hour to the so far undeveloped Pineapple Island.

Many resorts are being planned for long Beach, including the Vinpearl Premium Villas - Source

Development on this scale of course requires a huge change to local infrastructure. New roads are planned and a widening and upgrading of existing roads is underway. The island currently has two landfill sites, a large one in the north and a smaller one in the south. At present the island manages all its own electricity needs but this is about to change.

Building an incinerator to fuel the island is planned, but this is fraught with difficulties: the island doesn’t create enough waste (yet) to keep an incinerator going full time. However an underwater cable is also being built to the mainland and the national grid; this was started in 2014.

In 2012 the new Phu Quoc International Airport opened its gates to the public. Short-lived flights to Singapore and Siem Reap were soon shelved, but new international flights are planned for 2017.

All this large-scale change will inevitably affect the micro economy on the island. Small bars will undoubtedly spring up everywhere, local restaurants will increase in number and probably quality. Phu Quoc is already famous for its amazing seafood and of course locally grown pepper.

Regardless of anyone’s opinions on the relative merits or disadvantages on the future of Phu Quoc, this tiny tropical island will never be the same again. Life for the 100,000 inhabitants is about to change, irrevocably.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Novotel Phu Quoc Resort for a media familiarisation, and can truly say that it was an unforgettable experience.

At the airport arrivals hall we were greeted by the Novotel shuttle bus for the 9 km journey to the resort.

It now being lunchtime, the group was told that we would be having lunch after a quick freshen-up. It’s the little things that make a big difference, so the complimentary fruit platter with personalised welcome message and bag with some local specialities provided a sense of personal service for such a large resort. After a quick rainfall shower and change of clothes it was time to come to grips with what else the Novotel Phu Quoc Resort had to offer.

First Culinary Impressions

Seated at a lovely pool-view table in the all-day dining restaurant, Food Exchange, it was time for the indulgence to begin. Food Exchange offers an extensive buffet selection as well as an a la carte menu. There were many stations around the restaurant serving Western, Asian and Vietnamese fare, with the famous Phu Quoc seafood featured in many of them.

As a seafood lover, I wasted little time in sampling some of the freshest squid, shrimp and scallops I have tasted in Vietnam. I’m not a big lunch eater, and diligently restricted myself to a frugal three plates. My favourites were the seafood curry, Hungarian potato salad, seafood pasta and the refreshing variety of salads.

Pina Coladas by the Pool

After a satisfying lunch, we were given an opportunity to relax and enjoy the resort’s facilities. First stop for me was a quick retreat to my room to get some work done. I was lucky enough to have been given a Superior Suite on the third floor. If it wasn’t for the sun shining in a cloudless-sky and the temptation of a pina colada by the pool, I think I may have not left the room for the rest of the stay.

The suite featured a separate living room, standing bathtub, rainfall shower and a double-sized balcony with spectacular views over the pool, surrounding villas and all the way to the Long Beach area. The design of the resort aims to maintain the feel of a traditional Phu Quoc fishing village, with the smallest beachfront buildings being the One Bedroom Villas with private pool that resemble traditional fishing huts. Away from the beach, the buildings become progressively larger until you reach the main building housing 366 rooms.

On my way to the beach, I passed the spa and decided to grab a nice cold drink at the beach bar to enjoy while sunbathing. There I noticed the fantastic range of homemade ice creams for only VND40,000 per scoop. Being adventurous with ice cream flavours, I tried the blackcurrant and Phu Quoc pepper. It first gave the tongue a kick of the hot pepper, then instantly soothed by the cold blackcurrant creaminess. Perched on a lounger under the merciful shade of a well-manicured palm tree, I enjoyed a few hours of swimming, relaxing and reading – an idyllic afternoon.

A Sunset to Remember

As the sun began to set, we were lured to the beach-bar area by the enchanting melody of the in-house band that performs six nights a week. We were treated to some simple yet delicious Vietnamese-inspired canapés to accompany a few glasses of wine whilst watching one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen.

Seafood Sampler

That night we would be dining al fresco at the beautiful Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant. Sampling the island’s best catch is obligatory for any selfrespecting seafood-lover. We were each given a cold, refreshing towel scented with lemongrass and ginger, which truly awakened the senses.

For starters, we were silver-served a tangy salad followed by a smooth and creamy lobster bisque. After selecting our items from the a la carte menu, they were exquisitely presented on a haring platter. Shrimp, squid, scallops, whole crab and cobia (also known as black salmon) were all on offer, but my hands almost subconsciously reached first for the Oysters Kilpatrick, which didn’t disappoint.

A very relaxed and conversation-filled meal ensued, enjoyed at a leisurely pace with some of the group beginning to fall into a siesta in the large, comfy chairs. To round off the evening, we were served a scoop of the homemade vanilla ice cream served on a bed of honey-drizzled mango and a master-crafted sugar tuile, which again sparked the table back into conversation.

Champagne Breakfast

The following morning, we received an a la carte champagne breakfast back at the Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant. Not being one for morning alcohol, I started the day with my routine ca phe sua da while enjoying the fresh fruit platter.

A Sunday breakfast in a 5-star hotel on Phu Quoc is always a treat and this was no different. After considering a few options, I settled for one of my favourites (which, no matter how hard I try, I have never been able to perfect at home): eggs Benedict. Being from Scotland, my preferred accompaniment would have been smoked salmon, but sadly I was informed that it was not available. An alternative offer of smoked ham turned out to be a more than suitable substitute.

As most of the group were booked on earlyafternoon return flights, the hotel organised a whistle-stop tour of Ho Quoc Pagoda and the famous Phu Quoc Market.

Massage

After two strenuous days of relaxing, sunbathing, wining and dining, it was now time to relieve those niggling aches and pains with a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa. I decided to go for the sports massage and a facial. The massage was exactly what the doctor ordered: firm, focused and just the right amount of time spent on each area. This was my first ever facial, and I couldn’t stop laughing when the products were being applied: they felt ticklish and made me giggle like a little schoolgirl; even the therapist, Ms. Huong, had a chuckle to herself.

Some people might feel the prices here are high compared to their normal VND250,000 massage in a local Ho Chi Minh City spa, but you cannot compare hamburgers with Kobe beef. Novotel Phu Quoc Resort has searched far and wide to employ only the most highly skilled professionals. My masseur at the spa, Mr. Quy, has 15 years’ experience in the industry and was hired from Saigon. My therapist has six years’ experience and relocated from Binh Thuan. For me, anything to do with your body and well-being should focus on quality over price. I’m sure we’ve all heard about someone’s horror massage that left them walking like the hunchback of Notre Dame.

What Could be Improved

With an unobstructed view of the sky and ocean, my room enjoyed the sun non-stop from dawn till dusk. Even with the A/C on maximum setting and net curtains drawn to block direct sunlight, it felt too warm.

However, when the sun relented on the second day, so did this small issue. On the first night of our stay, the hotel was hosting four corporatefunction events entailing a gala-dinner and musical entertainment, which can be a bit noisy if you are in relaxation mode.

Experience the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc courtesy of Eden Resort. You’ll thank us when you get there.

First Impressions

I landed on Phu Quoc around midday and looked around. I was in love already: the sky was bright and the weather hot and humid—a typical day in Southern Vietnam. It was easy to find the complimentary shuttle service that Eden Resort Phu Quoc provides for its guests, and the drive to the resort was pleasant. I was able to look out the window and enjoy the island sights, which were so different from the whirling cityscape of Ho Chi Minh City.

I knew immediately that this stay would be a wonderful change of pace.

When I arrived at the Eden Resort, I saw that it was aptly named: it truly was a green oasis. This was a resort that valued the quality of its landscaping. When I approached the lobby, I got a nice surprise: there were recycled decorations like driftwood accents. I mentioned this to the concierge, and she told me that all the lights in the swimming pools were LED-powered as well. I’ve always been eco-conscious, so it was nice to see a 4-star resort with a similar mindset. It really made the resort seem down-to-earth rather than stuffy or overly fancy, like some other high-rated resorts I’ve visited.

Beachy Bungalow

Once I received my key I headed to my beach bungalow. As I walked along the outdoor path and admired the greenery surrounding the buildings, I saw workers doing some construction and renovation. Since I moved to HCMC I’ve become accustomed to the sound of hammering and saws, but hoped it wouldn’t start at 7 a.m. the next morning (thankfully it didn’t).

I neared my beach bungalow and breathed deeply: there was that inviting smell of sea air. Indeed, the bungalow was right next to the beach and had an exceptionally beautiful view. The rooms were large and spacious, and the decorations were subtle, retaining the eco- friendly vibe I had noticed in the lobby. I put away my things and saw that there was an outdoor bathroom—a nice touch, although the humidity near the sea did cause a bit of rust to gather around the tap.

Surf’s Up

Although the room was beautiful, the pull of the ocean was too great to resist. I threw on my bathing suit and headed outside. The beachfront was a popular spot for the other guests, and for good reason. While the beach was lined with umbrellas and chairs, it was a bit difficult to find one that wasn’t marked with towels and bags. Once a free umbrella opened up, it was snatched almost immediately by another guest.

After a bit of waiting, I was able to grab my own umbrella oasis. I indulged in some light reading and general relaxation and headed to the ocean. The water was warm and the sand was soft: absolute perfection. It was quite a different experience from some of the other beaches I’ve been to in Vietnam, which sometimes have problems getting rid of the trash. Here the coast was clean and the water was clear.

Drinks on the Beach

After dinner at the Strelitzia, one of Eden Resort’s two restaurants, I headed to the Malibu Beach Bar, where I rounded off my night with a tropical nightcap at a beautiful, eco-friendly repurposed table. I chose a classic margarita, always my drink of choice, and mingled with the other bar patrons. I learned that the rooms of the hotel were just as nice as the bungalow, although one guest mentioned plumbing issues. Another guest talked about the different destinations on Phu Quoc (his favorite was a local pearl farm in the nearby Duong To Village). I replied that I didn’t want to rent a scooter for just one day, and he said he hadn’t—he has simply gone on one of the day-long “Seawalker” tours Eden Resort offers, which he really enjoyed. I found out that Eden also offers some daily fishing and snorkelling trips, which are less expensive than other tours on the island. This was welcome news, but unfortunately my flight was set to depart before noon the next day. There’s always next time.